BRISBANE - National cricket coach John Buchanan said his champion team would have to address the emotional and physical stresses that could endanger its World Cup defence in 2003.

Australia's top cricketers will hold a pre-season meeting in Melbourne in two weeks, with Buchanan keen to discuss the best ways to manage the emotional strains which prompted Michael Slater's axing from the Test team last month.

Demands on players will only increase in the next 18 months, with just one short break between November and the World Cup in South Africa in February 2003.

The schedule includes tours of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Pakistan and a home Ashes series, maintaining the physical demands on an ageing team.

"It's all something that's in need of discussion and we need a general awareness of what the total impact would be," Buchanan said.

"Physically it's hard work for everybody, it's the same mentally and then you look at the emotional side of being away from your family for such a long stretch.

"And that's when the team is going well. It would be extremely difficult for us if the team wasn't doing that well."

Slater's form suffered in the last 12 months, coinciding with a publicised fallout with wife Stephanie.

The dashing opening batsman was eventually dropped from the Test team, with selectors admitting Slater's axing was more than an on-field issue.

"It's an unfortunate product of what we're talking about," Buchanan said.

"The life of a professional sportsman isn't that easy and Michael is not the first person, nor will he be the last, to go through tough times.

"It's an extremely important issue for all cricketers.

"I think we can [help the general situation] but I'm not exactly sure what we'll do just yet."

Buchanan wants the issue discussed when Australia's 25 contracted players meet in Melbourne from September 24-25.

The players and management will talk about the upcoming summer, which includes home series against New Zealand and South Africa before the Australians pack up for a tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The schedule adheres to the International Cricket Council's 10-year plan, which requires each Test-playing nation to organise regular home and away clashes.

Buchanan and the Australians have already had a busy 2001, during which the coach estimates he will spend 250 nights away from home.

"We're resting right now and everybody has to make the most of this opportunity to refresh, recharge, re-energise and re-think," Buchanan said.

The Australian Test squad won't regather until the week of the first match against New Zealand, starting at the Gabba on November 8.

© 2001 AAP